Ten million people in the United States alone are affected by vision-robbing retinal diseases. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that the Foundation Fighting Blindness has been working for decades to facilitate research focused on treatments and cures. In fact, 100 people have had their sight partly restored in FFB-supported clinical trials. But that leaves many more people untreated, as researchers line up to move their treatments toward those who desperately need them.

So as to capitalize on this research momentum, the Foundation’s chairman and co-founder, Gordon Gund, and his family are providing those who want to help end blindness with an extraordinary challenge. Through June 30th, 2016, they will match all qualifying donations of $25,000 or more, with all of it going to research.

That means if the donation is for $50,000, the Gunds will commit another $50,000; if $150,000, they’ll do the same; if $1 million, they’ll match it.

The cost of research, at all stages—from basic to pre-clinical to clinical—is such that the goal of the Challenge is to raise at least $50 million, with the Gunds providing another $50 million. But it’s very important to understand that THERE IS NO CAP on this offer. If, by June 30, 2016, donations exceed our goal, the Gunds will match them.

If this sounds like an opportunity you or your organization would like to explore, please contact Hope Kessler, FFB’s acting senior national director, for information about the Foundation as well as details about the Gund Family Challenge. You’ll find her contact information below.

This is an unprecedented offer that demonstrates the Gunds’ and the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ complete dedication to ending blindness caused by retinal diseases. It’s not a question of if but when we will do so. And we believe that time is now.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness, Inc. is the world’s leader in providing awareness and funding that drives the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinal degenerative diseases.
Donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. All transactions on our Web sites are safe and secure.